Pakistan’s former head coach Mickey Arthur wanted his studious charges to remind themselves of the 2017 final when they lock horns against arch-rivals India in Dubai on Sunday, saying the belief that they can do it again will be the key.
Pakistan lost their opening game against New Zealand by 60 runs in Group A and now need a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. A defeat will leave the co-hosts and defending champions to hope Bangladesh beat New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.
A New Zealand win will see Pakistan crash out and the whole interest of people at home will further wane.
I get goosebumps when I feel the memories of eventually winning and having such a happy, happy change room: So fantastic day and hopefully Pakistan can do it again in Pakistan. That would be fantastic. For that to some true Pakistan players must believe that they can do it again, beat India and keep hopes of a nation alive.
Arthur told Telecom Asia Sport (telecomasia.net) from UK.
Pakistan was in a similar position in the 2017 Trophy. Then they lost to India by 124 runs at Edgbaston before beating South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to set up a final against India. Mickey said the win meant a lot to him, the team and the whole nation.
It meant massive for me to be in charge of Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Arthur, who has also coached South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka in a successful career said
To win it has certainly been one of the highlights of my coaching career and one that I will continue to savour for the rest of my life.That final against India was incredible. Right from the start I felt that we were ready for that game. I felt those young boys had no fear that they were going to just go out there and play.
Arthur said readiness is also important
That final against India was incredible. Right from the start I felt that we were ready for that game. I felt those young boys had no fear that they were going to just go out there and play..
Arthur added
The captain Mohammad Rizwan and team management must make sure that the team is ready and hungry to win this game because it’s a must win game and against a formidable India, who are one of the favourites.
Arthur recalled
Mickey admitted dashing opener Fakhar Zaman’s loss through injury is a massive blow to Pakistan.
“Fakhar is a match winner, a game changer,” said Mickey of the opener who hurt his chest muscle in the game against New Zealand and was ruled out of the event. He was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq.
We did that (beating India) and we did that well. I love the Fakhar Zaman who really took it to India early and that put India on the back foot and it was so important that we did that just to calm the nerves in the dressing room. Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali got us off to a wonderful start.
Arthur added
Mickey said it would be important to have the 2017 spirit.
We had that spirit, that team spirit. Aafter Fakha’s hundred then it was just complimented by everybody who came in. Muhammad Hafeez, Shahid Malik, Baba Azam, everybody played beautifully. And then obviously the standout for me was that opening burst of Muhammad Amir.
Arthur evealed
Mickey believes someone has to bring the quality spell, like Mohammad Amir did in the 2017 final.
Amir was incredible, so someone has to do that Amir thing on Sunday. To get Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and then to get Virat was incredible because that just put India on the back foot and gave us so much confidence as a team. And then we just dominated from there on in.
Arthur said
When that catch of Virat Kohli's went down, the emotions were massive. Thinking, how could we drop Virat? That's almost potentially dropping the chance to win the Champions Trophy. And then very next ball, bang, Shadab takes a screamer at point and we've got him out. So the emotions have gone from very low to very high. And I know Hardik Pandya played a cameo, but after that spell of Amir's, India were always really on the back foot. Hassan Ali had bowled so well during that competition that he was always going to close out for us. And then I thought Shadab Khan was outstanding in that final as well. So, it was an incredible day, a highlight of mine, certainly. And I can still feel those memories. Come Sunday if that belief is there and never-say-die spirit then Pakistan can achieve the desired result.
Mickey admitted Azhar Ali dropping Virat Kohli could have been massive.